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Greetings,
As we said thank you to the Universe for the beautiful sunny winter’s day this past Monday, we at IAM were greeted with the very sad news that our beloved board member, Rev Phumzile Mabizela, had succumbed to COVID-19.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and colleagues at INERELA+ during this very difficult time. Because of the person that Phumzile was, we know how devastating this news is and the huge gap that this remarkable person leaves. Please read a brief obituary here. This news reminds us how vulnerable we all are facing this global pandemic. We encourage all those who are able too to be vaccinated as soon as they can.
In other news, our collaborative 3rd Queer Clergy Think Tank, was postponed to the third quarter of 2021 due to the stricter lockdown regulations that were implemented at the end of June in South Africa. A collective interfaith vigil is being planned for 25th July, a collaborative action in response to the violent LGBTQI+ murders across South Africa. More details with regards to this event will be made available soon on IAM’s social media platforms. We published our 2020 Annual Report online, and were heartened at all that we accomplished even throughout the early days of the pandemic.
The IAM team continues to work remotely as we anticipate the next cold front and winter storms in the Western Cape, adjusting as well as we can to the unpredictable context in which we find ourselves.
We wish you well. Take care, wear your mask, keep your distance, and sanitise.
Peace and love,
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Ecclesia de Lange
Director, IAM
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Can faith be trusted as a sanctuary for LGBTQI+ people during a pandemic of violence?
International Day against homophobia, biphobia, intersexphobia and transphobia (IDAHOBIT), IAM took part in a powerful webinar moderated by Justice Edwin Cameron, with guests Dr Anastasia Thomson, Siya Khumalo, and Imam Muhsin Hendricks. Each shared their personal stories of faith sexuality, and asked the question of how faith can be viewed as a safe space for LGBTIQ+ people in our current climate of violence.
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Focusing on the rainbow behind the dark clouds
Despite the hope that is celebrated by many in the LGBTIQ+ community worldwide in June, the continued violence and fight for our lives in South Africa leads many of us to wonder when we’ll really be able to celebrate our freedom. IAM’s Thuli Mjwara urges us to focus on the rainbow behind the dark clouds and celebrate our wins, no matter how small, and continue fighting for the freedom we ALL deserve.
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Inclusive & Affirming Ministries (IAM) mourns the passing of Reverend Phumzile Mabizela
Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Rev. Phumzile Mabizela, board member and ally in the struggle towards a more inclusive and affirming faith space on the African continent.
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Reinterpreting ancient texts to end the violence against LGBTIQ+ people
With the backdrop of the recent escalation of violence against the LGBTIQ+ community in South Africa, IAM’s Michelle Boonzaaier reflects on Acts 8:26-40 as a call for faith leaders to reinterpret ancient texts in ways that contribute meaningfully towards spreading messages of inclusion and love rather than violence and violation against LGBTIQ+ people. #enoughisenough
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- Please join IAM, in collaboration with partners, as we co-host an interfaith vigil for faith and hope in the face of the continued violence against LGBTIQ+ people in South Africa. | 25 July 2021 | 17:00 - 18:30 |
Online participation link to be confirmed
- IAM's Hanzline Davids will take part in the launch of the MCSA’s LGBTIAQ Task Team discussion forums, speaking on "The Challenge to the Church; Perspective on why the Church finds it difficult to break its silence" | 14th July 2021 | 18h30 for 19h00 | Event will be live streamed on MCSA's FB page and shared on YouTube
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Inclusive & Affirming Ministries (I AM) - POPIA Compliance
IAM is complying with the provisions of the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act in South Africa. This legislation is intended to protect your personal information, and to give you more control over how others use that information.
We send you regular communications because we want you to know about the work that we and our partners are doing. The POPI Act requires that we have your consent to do this.
So, if you wish to continue receiving our monthly newsletter and any communication of interest from us, you do not need to do anything.
If you would rather not receive our communications, please click the
‘opt out’ link at the bottom of this email and we will remove your details from our mailing list. There is also the option to ‘opt out’ in all our electronic communications.
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Please consider supporting IAM's work should you have the means. Your contributions, whatever the amount and whether once off or recurring, help us continue our life-affirming and transformational work throughout Africa. Tax certificates available upon request at info@iam.org.za.
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